Lettuce​

Similar to Romaine, Iceberg production and quality has been inconsistent among shippers. Mild, cool weather has slowed growth but also increased mildew pressure. Showers late last week delayed harvest a squeezed supplies for Holiday demand but production seems mostly back on track and the market has settled down.  Quality issues from mildew , insect pressure and tipburn  are still  common but overall quality is improving.

 

Mix Leaf

Leaf continues to be short supplied​although demand has not been overwhelming. ​Romaine volume has been better but with very uneven distribution among shippers. Wide ranging quality continues to affect the market.  Insect pressure and mildew

​have ​been the main issues.   East Coast production from New Jersey is helping fill needs while  California gets  back to normal production  when the weather is expected to improve this weekend.

 

Celery

Strong markets continue as cool weather and water rationing continues to slow growth. Florida product is finishing up and putting more pressure on west coast growing regions.  Expect a strong market through mid June, at which time Salinas production will be starting.

 

Broccoli

Demand is very strong as yields have fallen off due to the cooler than normal weather in California as well as Mexico finishing up it’s winter program.  For those growers in Mexico that continue with their spring / summer crop they have had bad weather this week and have not been able to harvest any real volume over the last three days.  We do not expect any real change in the weather anytime soon so expect the market to remain unchanged going into next week.

 

Cauliflower

It seems as though the market has hit a saturation point due the fourth week of prices over the $29.00 mark.  Although we continue to see high FOB’s shippers seem to have availability and you can place volume orders and get them covered day of.  I would not get too relaxed thinking the market is falling fast as this cooler weather will not bring on any heavy volume anytime soon.

 

Brussels Sprout

Production continues mainly from  Mexico although some domestic production has started earlier than  projected  Lighter demand caused by overall  fair quality continues with  various sizing and  insect pressure affecting production.
Artichokes

Globe varieties have begun to increase production as the Heirloom season winds down. Large sizes are predominant but medium sizes are also available.  The market is adjusting as more shippers start their summer crop.  Quality has been very nice with occasional insect pressure.

 

Strawberries

Demand has slowed and even with our overcast weather, the market has adjusted to lower price levels. There seems to be a lack of Ads running this week which helps support the market.  As prices come down, growers will begin to look at going to the freezers with their fruit in order to lock in prices.  Temperatures are forecasted to be slightly warmer for the weekend.

 

Grapes

Mexico is in full production on flames and perlettes.  Quality has been very nice, very few problems to speak of.  There is still storage fruit available but quality is very questionable at this point.  California flames are available and pricing is comparable to Mexican fruit.  California sugar ones are also available at a premium price due to limited availability.  Sizing is on the larger side and very little small fruit available.

Citrus

Valencia oranges are peaking on larger sizes.  There is a demand exceeds supply scenario on smaller fruit.  Great quality and bright color. Lemons are peaking on smaller sized fruit.  There are very few large sized lemons available. Drought conditions this year and lack of adequate groundwater caused the fruit to color up quickly and had less time to size up.  The Lime market has dropped substantially over the past few weeks.  The market has mostly bottomed out at this point due to an influx of product.  Supplies have leveled out and we could see some supply gaps in the next few weeks.